USB Host support

[verygreen]

It pains me to do this, as I was hoping B&N will step forward and release an OTG/USB Host cable. The hardware is certainly all there.
But alas, they are sitting on their hands again, so I have no other choice but use this software override kludge again.
All for the better most probably, as I suspect when they do release, it'll cost some outrageous amount of money, just like what happened to the HDMI adapter.

If you want to try it yourself.

 

[shue2701]

good job verygreen.

whats the chances of getting this to work on the nook hd?

 

[leapinlar]

good job verygreen.

whats the chances of getting this to work on the nook hd?

It should work on the HD. And since verygreen has his github up, bokbokan can see how he did it. So you need to ask bokbokan to do it in his HD thread.

Sent from my Nook HD+ running CM10.1 on emmc.

 

[rushless]

Wouldn't there be voltage draw threshold issues using the long cable as a usb host, especially for flash drives? Not even mentioning a usb hard drive, since obviously no way.

 

[verygreen]

Wouldn't there be voltage draw threshold issues using the long cable as a usb host, especially for flash drives? Not even mentioning a usb hard drive, since obviously no way.

I have not met any issues so far daisychaining two cables together (nook one and then into another one for the unpowered hub), but obviously don't go all crazy with 100m cable runs

 

[Delta^1_1]

It pains me to do this, as I was hoping B&N will step forward and release an OTG/USB Host cable. The hardware is certainly all there.
But alas, they are sitting on their hands again, so I have no other choice but use this software override kludge again.
All for the better most probably, as I suspect when they do release, it'll cost some outrageous amount of money, just like what happened to the HDMI adapter.

What is the software override kludge you're referring to?

-- Never mind, I just noticed the link at the bottom of the original post.

 

[dlinfiniti]

any chance you can make a flashable zip for stock?

 

[verygreen]

any chance you can make a flashable zip for stock?

That's too much hassle for questionable gains.

 

[e.mote]

>Wouldn't there be voltage draw threshold issues using the long cable as a usb host, especially for flash drives? Not even mentioning a usb hard drive, since obviously no way.

After reading around, one can use a battery pack with pass-thru USB function to connect high-powered devices like a USB HDD. Continuing this line of thought, it should be feasible to connect said battery inline to an unpowered USB hub, and convert said hub to powered. Am practicing some Google-fu to find a decent pass-through USB battery now.

 

[verygreen]

After reading around, one can use a battery pack with pass-thru USB function to connect high-powered devices like a USB HDD. Continuing this line of thought, it should be feasible to connect said battery inline to an unpowered USB hub, and convert said hub to powered. Am practicing some Google-fu to find a decent pass-through USB battery now.

there are tons of battery-powered hubs for mobile devices, which seems to be a neater solution than combining a usb hub with a battery.

 

[e.mote]

>there are tons of battery-powered hubs for mobile devices, which seems to be a neater solution than combining a usb hub with a battery.

Would you mind providing some quick links, or whatever search keywords you used? Mine turned up zip:
http://google.com/search?q=battery+powered+hubs

 

[verygreen]

>there are tons of battery-powered hubs for mobile devices, which seems to be a neater solution than combining a usb hub with a battery.

Would you mind providing some quick links, or whatever search keywords you used? Mine turned up zip:
http://google.com/search?q=battery+powered+hubs

Try "battery powered usb hub"

 

[e.mote]

I was hoping you have some actual models in mind. Your key terms resolve to the same blank wall. There are plenty of "battery hubs" shown, but AFAICT all of them are AC-powered hubs that can charge battery-powered devices. The need for a portable (battery) powered hub isn't new, and I've searched for it before. I was thinking of DIY, but a hub + inline passthru battery pack looks to be the least hassle at this point. Again, would appreciate any more integrated solution you know of.

 

[e.mote]

Welp nothing that some window shopping can't cure, as me sis would say.

Anker Astro3 10Ah charger, max output [email protected] $40
http://amazon.com/Thunderbolt-Incredible-cellphone-connectors-customized/dp/B009USAJCC

Anker USB 3.0 4-Port Hub, input [email protected] $20
http://amazon.com/Anker®-Uspeed-Adapter-Compatible-Windows/dp/B007BWTOHU

Use barrel tip and connect charger output to hub DC input. If tip doesn't fit, get charger w/ more tips.

http://amazon.com/Anker-10000mAh-Multi-Voltage-Camcoders-Recorders/dp/B005NGKR54

Probably best to try in store.

 

[verygreen]

I was hoping you have some actual models in mind. Your key terms resolve to the same blank wall. There are plenty of "battery hubs" shown, but AFAICT all of them are AC-powered hubs that can charge battery-powered devices. The need for a portable (battery) powered hub isn't new, and I've searched for it before. I was thinking of DIY, but a hub + inline passthru battery pack looks to be the least hassle at this point. Again, would appreciate any more integrated solution you know of.

Well, the very first link on that google search is to this amazon item: http://www.amazon.com/CyberPower-Mobile-Battery-Powered-CP-H420MP/dp/B0002UQALQ/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
which is eaxactly a usb hub with AA batteries. Granted, it's no longer available for sale, but there are more of those, I saw them when I last looked a couple of years ago so I know there must be more.

 

[rushless]

That seems a lot of power draw to be practical, unless a chunky hub to last very long.

 

[verygreen]

That seems a lot of power draw to be practical, unless a chunky hub to last very long.

Did you measure it? Does not seem too bad in my testing.

 

[rushless]

Just my looking at the draw having two things hooked up. If you are using one usb drive and no other devices, it should last several hours. Better than taking the load via the tablet battery. Sharing the drain love is good.

 

[baberswallet]

so the gender changer usb host thing only works with cm10.1 and not on stock?

 

[verygreen]

so the gender changer usb host thing only works with cm10.1 and not on stock?

This is correct.
For stock you need to have this special cable that B&N never made available (but certainly had plans for).
Shoehorning a new kernel into stock is too much of a hassle too.

But if you are an enterprising individual, you can trace the id pin on the pcb to see where does that connect in the connector and make your own otg cables, resell for huge amounts of money and profit